Music Groups and Clubs

New College has a variety of different musical clubs and societies available for our students, as well as numerous practice facilities. 

In addition to having our internationally-acclaimed chapel choir, New College also has a non-auditioning choir called The Holywell Singers (previously known as the Wykeham Singers). The choir is run as a choral society, welcoming singers of all abilities, whilst tackling well-known choral repertoire in preparation for a concert at the end of term with orchestra. Works previously performed include Brahms's Ein Deutsches Requiem, Britten's St Nicholas, Fauré's Requiem, Haydn's Nelson Mass, and Vivaldi's Gloria. The choir rehearse every week on Fridays between 19:30 and 21:00, and members of the choir are expected to look through the music before each rehearsal to maximise rehearsal time. The choir also has a good social atmosphere, with pub trips organised after rehearsals. 

New College is one of a handful of colleges in Oxford which houses an in-house orchestra. The New College Chamber Orchestra in un-auditioned, however we expect players applying to be of a Grade 7/8 standard or equivalent. The orchestra do not rehearse weekly, with 3/4 rehearsals organised in the weeks leading up to the end of term concert. The orchestra work on challenging orchestral repertoire, such as symphonic works by Beethoven, Schubert and Mozart, and also accompany The Holywell Singers. The orchestra is a great opportunity for university students to continue playing their instruments, tackle challenging yet exciting repertoire, and immerse themselves in a lively and vibrant social atmosphere. 

The Wykeham Consort is an auditioned baroque group based in New College comprised of singers and instrumentalists. The group perform once every term, with repertoire including cantatas and concerti from composers such as Bach, Marcello, Telemann and Porpora. 

A recital series runs throughout term time. These recitals take place in the Antechapel every Wednesday lunchtime and usually last around half an hour. They are very informal, and offer students of all instruments and abilities a chance to perform in front of smaller audiences (often made up of their friends!). Recitals can also be shared between a number of students, so even if you have only one or two pieces you want to play, get in touch!

String and wind quartets and trios also flourish in College. Taking part in any of the groups above is a great way to meet fellow students and, if the interest is there, to form a chamber group. But if larger ensembles just isn’t your thing, yet you’re interested in being part of a chamber group, ask any of the second and third year music students who will be able to help sort a group!

Open Mic and Karaoke Nights take place in the Bar up to three times per term. Similar to Bryce’s Coffee House in the sense that they provide a friendly and informal atmosphere to perform in, they give the opportunity to make far more noise! Performances at Open Mic in the past few years have varied from solo indie, to heavy metal bands, to stand-up comedy.

New College has its own band room located in the basement of 7OB, complete with guitar amps, a keyboard and a drum kit. This is a fantastic resource for an aspiring band, as well as for individuals! Anyone is welcome to use it, please contact the band room officer for details!